Andy Montoya
Blue cheese is a popular addition to Caesar salads, with some recipes calling for blue cheese crumbles to be added to the traditional mix of romaine lettuce, croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. While substituting blue cheese for Parmesan changes the classic Caesar salad, some people find that it enhances the dish. Blue cheese crumbles can add a savory, funky, or creamy element to the salad, depending on the dressing used. Some recipes suggest a Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing, while others recommend blending all the blue cheese into the dressing for a creamier version.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Blue cheese is considered a tasty addition to a Caesar salad, with some describing it as a "delicious" and flavor bomb combination |
| Texture | Blue cheese adds a creamy texture to the salad |
| Ingredients | Blue cheese is used in place of Parmesan cheese in a traditional Caesar salad |
| Recipe | To make a blue cheese Caesar salad dressing, blend all the blue cheese in a blender or food processor until smooth |
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What You'll Learn
Blue cheese Caesar salad recipes
Blue cheese is a great addition to a Caesar salad, and there are some interesting recipes to try. The traditional Caesar salad dressing is made with olive oil and raw eggs, but some recipes replace the olive oil with mayonnaise, and others replace the raw eggs with Greek yoghurt.
A popular recipe for a blue cheese Caesar salad includes blue cheese crumbles, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. The sweetness of the cranberries and the crunch of the walnuts combine well with the savoury Caesar dressing and the blue cheese. This recipe also uses Greek yoghurt, which is a healthier option than the traditional dressing.
To make the dressing, whisk together garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Then whisk in mayonnaise, Parmigiano-Reggiano, salt, and pepper. This will keep in the fridge for about a week.
For a creamier version of the dressing, blend all the blue cheese until smooth. You can also add some extra blue cheese crumbles on top of the salad.
Another option is to add croutons and chicken to the salad. You can also replace the blue cheese with English Stilton, or even brie or Camembert.
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Classic Caesar salad ingredients
The classic Caesar salad is a perennial favourite, with its crisp, fresh taste and perfect balance of flavours. The ingredients are simple, yet the combination is what makes it so delicious.
The base of a classic Caesar salad is crisp, fresh romaine lettuce. The romaine lettuce should be washed, dried, and cut into bite-sized pieces. Some recipes call for charred or grilled romaine, adding a smoky flavour to the salad.
The star of the show is, of course, the creamy Caesar dressing. This dressing is traditionally made with olive oil, raw egg yolks, garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, black pepper, and Parmesan cheese. The raw egg yolks and anchovy paste are sometimes omitted due to personal preferences or health concerns, and mayonnaise is often used as a substitute to create a creamy texture. Some recipes also include Worcestershire sauce in the dressing.
The croutons are an essential component, adding a crunchy texture to the salad. Homemade croutons are made by cutting thick slices of bread, such as sourdough, Italian, French, or multi-grain, into cubes, and seasoning them with garlic, olive oil, and salt. Store-bought croutons can also be used, but it is important to taste them first as they may be very salty.
While the above ingredients form the foundation of a classic Caesar salad, there are numerous variations and additions that can be made. Some recipes suggest topping the salad with chicken, salmon, steak, or bacon for a heartier meal. Others include artichokes, crispy beans, or roasted red peppers.
One unique variation that has gained popularity is the addition of blue cheese crumbles, toasted walnuts, and dried cranberries. This combination adds a savoury and funky twist to the traditional Caesar, with the sweetness of the cranberries and the crunch of the walnuts providing a delightful contrast.
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Greek yoghurt-based Caesar dressing
Blue cheese is a popular addition to a Caesar salad, with its savoury flavour pairing well with the traditional anchovy and garlic of the dressing. A Greek yoghurt-based Caesar dressing is a healthier alternative to the traditional olive oil and egg yolk base, and it can be made with or without blue cheese crumbles.
A Greek yoghurt-based Caesar dressing is a lighter option that still retains the creaminess and tanginess of a traditional Caesar. It is higher in protein and less rich, and can be made with full-fat or non-fat Greek yoghurt. The yoghurt replaces the classic raw egg yolks and oil or mayonnaise, and is combined with traditional Caesar flavours such as anchovy, lemon, Parmesan, garlic, and pepper.
To make a Greek yoghurt-based Caesar dressing, you will need the following ingredients: Greek yoghurt, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh garlic, capers, and black pepper. If you want to include blue cheese, opt for a creamy variety and blend it until smooth. You can also add a small amount of water or extra oil to thin the dressing to your desired consistency.
To prepare the dressing, simply stir the ingredients together in a bowl, or use a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency. This dressing can be enjoyed on a Caesar salad, in a wrap, or as a dip. It is a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional Caesar dressings, and can be customised to your taste preferences.
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Blue cheese crumbles
A unique recipe for a Caesar salad with blue cheese crumbles includes adding toasted walnuts and dried cranberries. The sweetness of the cranberries and the crunchiness of the walnuts complement the savouriness of the Caesar dressing and the blue cheese. The walnuts also add a nice textural contrast to the creaminess of the blue cheese.
To make the salad, simply toss the romaine lettuce with the blue cheese crumbles, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Then, add your desired amount of Caesar dressing and toss again until everything is coated.
For an even creamier version of the salad, you can blend all the blue cheese into the dressing until smooth. This will create a rich and indulgent texture that takes the salad to the next level.
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Toasted walnuts
For a winter salad option, try a kale Caesar salad with toasted walnuts. Start by removing the stems from a bunch of kale and cutting the leaves into ribbons. Lightly toast the walnut pieces as instructed above, then combine the kale with your favourite Caesar salad dressing and toss to coat. Sprinkle the toasted walnuts over the salad, add some shaved Parmesan, and enjoy!
If you're feeling adventurous, try a unique twist on the classic Caesar by adding blue cheese crumbles and dried cranberries to your kale Caesar salad. The sweetness of the cranberries and the tanginess of the blue cheese complement the toasted walnuts perfectly. For a healthier option, use a Greek yoghurt Caesar dressing—it's just as delicious and goes well with the other flavours in the salad.
For an extra punch of flavour and texture, you can also make a walnut-based vinaigrette for your Caesar salad. Simply blend walnuts, anchovies, mustard, oregano, garlic, and lemon juice in a blender until smooth. This vinaigrette will add a unique, nutty flavour to your salad and enhance the taste of the toasted walnuts.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, blue cheese is a great substitute for Parmesan in a Caesar salad. It adds a nice savoury flavour to the salad.
You can add toasted walnuts, dried cranberries, croutons, and poached pear chunks.
You can make a Greek yoghurt-based Caesar dressing or a mayonnaise-based dressing.
